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Hawaii Five-0 Review: Off And Running

Hawaii Five-0 Season 3 kicked off with the Chin-Ho, Kono and Malia-based cliffhanger we have been biting our nails over all summer. While my guess from the season finale of how Kono could be saved was really close (Adam saved her after Chin-Ho called him), my hope that Malia opening her eyes meant that she would survive didn't fair as well.

Can we hope that Chin-Ho won’t go down a horribly dark path over Malia’s death because he was able to catch Frank Delano and shoot him in the face with a shotgun? I’m worried that we are going to have to deal with “Evil Chin-Ho” now for several episodes, which would drag down the overall feel of the show.

The premiere also gave us a complete answer to the questions that were asked most often during the show's sophomore season. To wit: What is Shelburne? It was Doris McGarrett’s code name when she was a spy before Steve was born.

It was even better to receive the answer directly from Doris McGarrett herself as she explained why she disappeared for 20 years to Steve. I’m not surprised that Steve had some anger about his mom faking her own death. I was very glad that he got past it, though, towards the end of the episode when he called her “mom” instead of “Doris.”

In addition to Christine Lahti coming on board as Mrs. McGarrett, Michelle Borth returned as Catherine Rawlins. She's now a series regular. While they didn’t explain why she is suddenly island-bound in the Navy, I enjoyed watching her and Doris together too much to really complain about it.

Speaking of Doris and Catherine, I’m very curious why Doris didn’t shoot Wo Fat and, more importantly, why Wo Fat spent years trying to find her and didn’t even raise his pistol. I’m sensing that any relief I have over finding out who Shelburne was is going to quickly be replaced with questions about Wo Fat and Doris’ interaction and relationship.

My only complaint about the opener was the way the writers decided to have Wo Fat escape. I just don’t get why it had to involve a helicopter picking up an armored car with a giant skill-crane style claw. Had they cut to a shot of the three-eyed alien from Toy Story pointing and saying Oooooh, The Claw!! it would not have surprised me... and might have made it better.

I will say (claw-copter aside) that the rest of the action from Peter Lenkov’s story was great. I cheered out loud when Kono jumped straight up as the guy tried to run her down and then shot him through the windshield while standing on the hood.

In conclusion, this week’s premiere was excellent and the addition of Lahti as Doris made for some fun Hawaii Five-O Quotes. I’m excited to see where Lenov decides to take her and Catherine in relation to the core team. What did you think of the premiere? Do you like the addition of Doris McGarrett?

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Linda N.•September 25, 2012 17:14

I thoroughly enjoyed last night's show---yes, the "claw" was over the top and I thought of a carnival arcade with useing the giant claw to claim your prize. The acting was amazing..fight scenes, shoot-outs, carguments and inter-actions between actors was pure poetry. Sad that some people think Malia dying dealt with her being Asian-American-why go there? Did you ever think that maybe SHE didn't want to be cast as a regular? I do believe Doris is WoFat's mother and that he was shocked to finally find out who 'Shelburne' was and he couldn't shoot her. All in all it was a fantastic show and glad to see Alex, Scott, Grace and Daniel all healthy and back on set!! Aloha!!!!

Catherine kicked ass, she showed she could handle herself. Although when it came to it, leaving McGarrett's mother alone could have ended poorly. I thought Steve was a bit reckless bringing his mother home when Wo Fat's transfer wasn't confirmed. From the moment those transport vehicles were on route an escape attempt was already in place. The amount of man power that went into that escape, it was reckless of Delano to pull a heist on his own. Why put so much effort in freeing Wo Fat to get shot in the end? What did he really do for Delano? That part made little sense, except to corner Doris in the end. The random three shots fired from Doris was odd. It was hidden from us for a reason. Wo fat seemed to know her, giving their relation more credibility. As for Danny, why not move again for his daughter? Also how much times would Rachel follow Stan around, constantly uprooting her daughter's life?

Michael•September 25, 2012 16:55

while I agree the The chopper and the claw was odd I also know that these is a tv show and somethings can not be like in the real world hell look at NCIS,CSI they all done these. I think WO fat and Steve are brothers and I think that would be so cool as far as these storyline going on why not its better then standalone storys

Lesley Wilmoth•September 25, 2012 16:48

I loved the premiere! I hate that they killed off Malia, but it would have been even worse if it had been Kono. I really hope the people who are saying that Doris is Wo Fat's mother too are wrong since this isn't a soap opera. Unfortunately I would be surprised if they were. As for the claw, it was over the top, but it didn't bother me. Is there really anyone who watches H50 because they think it's realistic?

Diana•September 25, 2012 16:44

@bcinberge - based on this episode, i might have to agree with you. it just didn't work for me. the claw-copter was ridiculous, but having wo fat escape in general, and continuing that whole story line is beyond monotonous. i was hoping we were finally done with that. if he turns out to be steve's brother, that would be too much. and what was with steve calling danno 'boo boo'?? totally out of character. hopefully it gets better from here!

Kim•September 25, 2012 16:43

Great episode, nice to have one of my favorite shows back! It was a long summer. Not liking Doris at all though. (P.S.: Did you guys see the ratings for the episode last night? Wow, it bombed. So surprised!)

jschoi•September 25, 2012 16:35

Loved Kono and Adam at the end. I'm going to enjoy the show for what it is, entertainment. It had some flaws but I can ignore them.@David and George...I was going avoid any controversy this season and be more of an adult, but as an Asian Canadian I am very, very, very, very offended by your remarks.

tess•September 25, 2012 16:33

Awesome premiere. So glad they're back. I loved the claw, loved it. It's 5-0, it's over the top, love it. Loved Mama McGarrett in the car scene with Danny, too, and Kono being her bad ass self. Loved the big shoot out as well. I'm so looking forward to the rest of the season. For sheer fast and fun entertainment value, nothing rivals this show for me.

Virg•September 25, 2012 16:32

When are they going to go back to crime of the week and stop adding people they dont need?

VickiSue•September 25, 2012 16:09

I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish!!! Yeah sure the claw was over the top, but so is Wofat it was befitting og him:) Cath was bad ass now we know why Steve likes her. Kono kicked ass as usual and love her and Adam. Disagree over Malia being killed for "Asian" reasons. Storyline dictated and she really wasn't part o the show. Chin has to lose it all to come back stronger than ever. Danno was right, beaware of Doris. And Steve was as hot as ever.